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Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Civil Engineering / Hayder Rasheed / The analysis of concrete columns using unconfined concrete models is a well established practice. On the other hand, prediction of the actual ultimate capacity of confined concrete columns requires specialized nonlinear analysis. Modern codes and standards are introducing the need to perform extreme event analysis. There has been a number of studies that focused on the analysis and testing of concentric columns or cylinders. This case has the highest confinement utilization since the entire section is under confined compression. On the other hand, the augmentation of compressive strength and ductility due to full axial confinement is not applicable to pure bending and combined bending and axial load cases simply because the area of effective confined concrete in compression is reduced. The higher eccentricity causes smaller confined concrete region in compression yielding smaller increase in strength and ductility of concrete. Accordingly, the ultimate confined strength is gradually reduced from the fully confined value fcc (at zero eccentricity) to the unconfined value f’c (at infinite eccentricity) as a function of the compression area to total area ratio. The higher the eccentricity the smaller the confined concrete compression zone. This paradigm is used to implement adaptive eccentric model utilizing the well known Mander Model and Lam and Teng Model. Generalization of the moment of area approach is utilized based on proportional loading, finite layer procedure and the secant stiffness approach, in an iterative incremental numerical model to achieve equilibrium points of P- and M- response up to failure. This numerical analysis is adaptod to asses the confining effect in circular cross sectional columns confined with FRP and conventional lateral steel together; concrete filled steel tube (CFST) circular columns and rectangular columns confined with conventional lateral steel. This model is validated against experimental data found in literature. The comparison shows good correlation. Finally computer software is developed based on the non-linear numerical analysis. The software is equipped with an elegant graphics interface that assimilates input data, detail drawings, capacity diagrams and demand point mapping in a single sheet. Options for preliminary design, section and reinforcement selection are seamlessly integrated as well. The software generates 2D interaction diagrams for circular columns, 3D failure surface for rectangular columns and allows the user to determine the 2D interaction diagrams for any angle  between the x-axis and the resultant moment. Improvements to KDOT Bridge Design Manual using this software with reference to AASHTO LRFD are made. This study is limited to stub columns.

This work has considered the centrality of language in order to understand how the processes of conceptualization of the term deaf culture have been constituted, as this concept has acquired a status of truth and reality that has become increasingly stronger in the academic environment. The text presents a kind of research that problematizes utterances that constitute a discursive web about deaf culture. The focus is on analyzing how deaf culture has been narrated and thought by the deaf themselves and how it has been constituted as a concept, thus acquiring a real meaning and having a fundamental role in the constitution of the deaf subject, despite acting as a closed, universal concept. The subjected knowledges of the deaf community, as a way of enunciation of this cultural discourse, have triggered the analysis. Under this blend of truths that have been socially authorized by the deaf, deaf culture has become a conceptual imperative, thus inviting us to perceive those enunciations, as well as reflect and act on them. This concept has become a device that triggers discursive practices related to deafness. This work aims at perceiving the imperative of deaf culture at the conceptual level and seeks to genealogically understand the emergence of such a theme, the truths that have supported it and the discursive strategies involved in this process. / Este trabalho toma a centralidade da linguagem para compreender como se constituem os processos da conceituação do termo cultura surda , uma vez que este vem tomando status de verdade e realidade cada vez mais forte no universo acadêmico. O presente estudo apresenta uma forma de pesquisa que problematiza os enunciados que constituem uma trama discursiva acerca da cultura surda. O foco foi analisar como a cultura surda vem sendo narrada e pensada pelos próprios surdos e como vem se constituindo como um conceito, tomando significado real e tendo um papel fundamental na constituição do sujeito surdo. Nesse sentido, a cultura surda vem atuando como um conceito fechado e universal. O que instiga o olhar analítico são os saberes sujeitados da comunidade surda como forma de enunciação desse discurso cultural. Sobre esse amálgama de verdades socialmente autorizadas pelos surdos, a cultura surda vem se tornando um imperativo conceitual, convidando-nos a perceber essas enunciações, bem como a pensar e agir sobre elas. Essa conceituação torna-se um dispositivo que coloca em funcionamento práticas discursivas no que tange à surdez. O trabalho objetiva perceber o imperativo da cultura surda no plano conceitual e busca genealogicamente entender a emergência do tema, as verdades que o sustentam e as estratégias discursivas envolvidas nesse processo.

The word Incel, which stands for “involuntary celibacy”, is characterized and mostly used by young, white heterosexual men. The phenomenon of incels has increased in size and become big over the past years and has now spread in Sweden. Incels has received the society's attention because of different acts of terror committed by men who define themselves as incels. The aim for this study has been, with Raewyn Connell's theory of masculinity, to illustrate dominating discourses regarding gender and sexuality connected with the phenomenon of incels, and illustrate constructed conceptions of being subjected. More specifically we wanted to investigate which conceptions and norms of gender and sexuality that were expressed in connection with the phenomenon of incels. We also wanted to understand how conceptions of being subjected are being constructed linked to the phenomenon of incels. To answer this, we did a netnographic study of the Swedish forum Flashback and studied threads that contained discussions about incels. Our collected empirics were analyzed by the use of discourse analysis. The main results showed that a lot of the forum posts were written on the basis of misogyny as well as racism. A clear conception of dichotomy between men and women also appeared, concerning biological, social and cognitive aspects. Further our results showed how incels, by using different explanations, construct a conception of being subjected by women, other men and society. Our study shows that further research is needed on the phenomenon of incels and about digital communities.

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Tiriamajame darbe nagrinėjami tempiamieji plieno plaušu armuoti gelžbetoniniai elementai. Atliekama teorinių skaičiavimo metodų literatūros apžvalga. Darbe gauti nauji eksperimentiniai tempiamųjų plieno plaušu armuotų gelžbetoninių elementų deformacijų duomenys. Iš bandymo rezultatų eliminuojamas betono susitraukimas. Patikslinami Eurokodo 2 ir Model Code tempiamųjų elementų deformacijų skaičiavimo metodai, įvertinant plieno plaušo įtaką. Liekamieji įtempiai apskaičiuojami taikant empirinį metodą. Atliekama teorinių ir eksperimentinių rezultatų palyginamoji analizė. Darbo pabaigoje pateikiami pagrindiniai rezultatai ir išvados. / In this Master Thesis investigation of steel fiber reinforced concrete members subjected to tension is performed. Literature survey on theoretical investigation methods of steel fiber reinforced concrete is done. New experimental data of steel fiber reinforced concrete members subjected to tension is obtained. Concrete shrinkage is eliminated from experimental data.Eurocode 2 and Model Code strain calculation methods of members subjected to tension are adjusted to steel fiber reinforced concrete members. Residual stresses calculated using empirical method. Comperative analysis of experimental and theoretical results is done.

Studiens syfte var att, utifrån kvalitativa intervjuer, studera hur kvinnor, som utsatts för våld i nära relation, upplevde stödet som de fick då de sökte hjälp. Detta gjordes utifrån en narrativ ansats med våldets normaliseringsprocess som teoretisk tolkningsmodell. Utifrån resultatet konstaterades att merparten av intervjupersonerna inte var tillfredsställda med stödet de tillhandahölls. Detta framkom genom att de gav uttryck för att ha bemötts med misstro och oförståelse för relationsvåldets komplexitet. Oavsett hur intervjupersonerna upplevde stödet, framställdes det dock av alla som oerhört viktigt, dels för att orka med uppbrottsprocessen som till exempel kunde innebära vårdnadstvister och polisutredningar, dels för att komma vidare och hitta sig själv igen när allt praktiskt var klart. Genom studien framkom att det finns ett behov av att synliggöra relationsvåldets omfattning samt sprida kunskap gällande dess komplexitet, då det skulle kunna bidra till ett bättre stöd till våldsutsatta kvinnor. / The purpose of this study was to, by qualitative interviews, examine how women subjected to domestic violence experienced the support they were given when they reached for help. This was examined through a narrative view, with the “process of normalisation of violence” as a theoretical perspective. The results of the study showed that the majority of the interviewed women were unsatisfied with the support they received. This emerged through their expressions of how they perceived a response characterised by mistrust and misunderstanding regarding the complexity of domestic violence. Regardless of how the interviewed women perceived the help, they all expressed the importance of support to endure the different processes that a break up could entail and to be able to move on by finding their identity again. The study found that there is a need to visualise the extent of domestic violence and broaden knowledge about its complexity, as it could contribute to better support for women subjected to domestic violence.

Předložená disertační práce se zabývá zesílením kruhových železobetonových sloupů pomocí vlákny vyztužených polymerů (tzv. FRP – fibre reinforced polymer) namáhaných laterálním cyklickým zatížením. Tato výzkumná studie se zaměřuje na zkoumání využití FRP tkaniny pro dodatečné zesílení, zlepšení chování kruhových železobetonových sloupů a vytvoření návrhového algoritmu pro zesílení kruhového sloupu pomocí kompozitních FRP materiálů. Návrhový algoritmus byl odvozen na základě analytické studie, numerických simulací a výsledků experimentální činnosti. Na základě těchto výsledků byl navržen postup pro návrh zesílení sloupů ovinutím, který předpovídá chování železobetonových sloupů vystavených laterálním cyklickým zatížením. Při experimentální práci byly zkušební vzorky zatíženy současně axiální sílou a příčným cyklickým zatížením. Toto bylo provedeno dvěma různými způsoby. První způsob zatěžování byl proveden konstantní velikostí laterální síly po daný počet cyklů (1 milion) se sledováním změny deformace. A druhý způsob provedení spočíval v zatížení konstantní deformací se sledováním úbytku síly během zatěžovací zkoušky. Dizertační práce rovněž předkládá přehled současného stavu poznání zesílení železobetonových kruhových sloupů ovinutím FRP tkaninou vystavených působení seismického zatížení. Dále uvádí přehled návrhových metodik a normová ustanovení Eurokódu a ACI. Experimentální program byl proveden za účelem ověření chování ovinutých kruhových sloupů při působení laterálního cyklického zatížení. Závěr práce sumarizuje poznatky o chování sloupů zesílených ovinutím FRP tkaninou při působení laterálního cyklického zatížení a představuje empirický model pro návrh zesílení ovinutím při vysokém a nízkém cyklickém zatížení.

This study aims to highlight the challenges and shortcomings that affect social work related to honor-based issues, which often result in individuals at risk of honor-based violence choosing to remain in oppressive situations, regardless of the consequences. We have conducted semi-structured interviews with social workers who address these problems in various professional roles, including social secretaries, counselors, foster homes, and organizations that work with preventive measures. Scientific articles, books, and reports were used in the study to gain deeper insight into the subject. The material was analyzed based on intersectionality, systems theory, and anomie theory to gain a more profound understanding of the subject from different perspectives. These perspectives help analyze the factors that contribute to honor-based violence and oppression, and how the interaction between these factors can reinforce honor norms in Sweden. The results reveal shortcomings in addressing honor-based problems, such as a lack of cooperation, knowledge, and interventions. These deficiencies, among other factors, restrict the opportunities for victims of honor-based violence to escape their destructive situations. The study also underscores limiting factors such as victims' low trust in authorities and insufficient long-term measures following a break-up. The segregation of ethnic groups in Sweden and its consequences is a recurring theme, focusing on how cultural distinctions and segregation can reinforce honor norms in society. The study also points out a lack of adequate strategies and sufficient knowledge about how to effectively address honor norms within schools and social work, often overshadowed by the fear of being accused of racism. A key conclusion is that more knowledge about the issue is needed, along with the development of interventions for non-emergency cases that are grounded in a deeper understanding of the cultural context. It is also essential that the stigma surrounding terms such as "honor culture" and "honor-related violence" be eliminated, promoting a more productive debate and dissemination of knowledge at different levels, among politicians, in social work, in schools, and among immigrants. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need to improve integration efforts.

Syftet med studien var att undersöka socialsekreterarnas arbete med våldsutsatta män i nära relation (VNR) genom att undersöka arbetsmoment såsom information, bemötande, rutiner, insatser och samverkan inom socialtjänsten. Studien genomfördes med hjälp av kvalitativ metod i form av semistrukturerade intervjuer från sex socialsekreterare inom socialtjänsten. Studien har utgått från social rollteori och det pedagogiska perspektivet för att skapa en bättre förståelse av det insamlade materialet. En kvalitativ innehållsanalys genomfördes för att analysera insamlat material. Resultatet i studien visade att socialsekreterarnas uppfattning var att mäns utsatthet i nära relation har ignorerats av samhället och att den gemensamma bilden var att det även föreligger ett stort mörkertal bland våldsutsatta män. Socialsekreterarna beskrev att normativa föreställningar i samhället låg till grund för bakomliggande orsaker. Studien visade även att organisationernas struktur och resurser påverkar socialsekreterarnas förutsättningar att utveckla sin kompetens och kunskap inom våld i nära relation. Slutsatsen är att våldsutsatta män saknar tillgång till information om hjälpsökande och att det föreligger behov av att fler organisationer arbetar med att utveckla och synliggöra information specifikt riktat till våldsutsatta män. Det föreligger även ett behov av att uppmärksamma våldsutsatta män med hjälp av politiska diskussioner, ökad uppmärksamhet inom media samt att bredda kunskapen om ämnet genom vidare forskning. Detta bör generera i fler utfall där våldsutsatta män i högre utsträckning söker hjälp med utgångspunkt i att ökad kunskap skapar bättre förutsättningar i samhället. / The purpose of the study was to examine the work of social workers with men subjected to violence in close relationships (VNR) by investigating work aspects such as information, approach, procedures, interventions, and collaboration within social services. The study was conducted using a qualitative method, specifically semi-structured interviews with six social workers in a medium-sized municipality. The study drew on social role theory and the pedagogical perspective to gain a better understanding of the collected material. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to analyse the gathered data. The results of the study indicated that social workers perceived that men's vulnerability in close relationships had been ignored by society, and there was a common perception that there is a significant underreporting among men subjected to violence. Social workers described that normative beliefs in society underlie the root causes. The study also revealed that organizational structures and resources affect social workers' conditions to develop their competence and knowledge within intimate partner violence. In conclusion, the study found that men subjected to violence lack access to information about seeking help, highlighting the need for more organizations to work on developing and promoting information specifically targeted at men subjected to violence. There is also a need to draw attention to men subjected to violence through political discussions, increased media attention, and broadening knowledge on the subject through further research. This should result in more instances where men subjected to violence are more likely to seek help, based on the understanding that increased knowledge creates better conditions in society.